10 Tips to Master Your Job Interview

Posted: 27/08/2014 by
Cox Purtell

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string(6709) "As a temporary recruitment consultant, I’m constantly meeting candidates in various stages in their career. Whether they are seeking new opportunities after having strong tenure within previous roles/industries, a working holiday visa seeking experience in the Sydney market, or an office junior eager to kick start their career, candidates of all levels can seek interview advice.
When I reflect back on when I was entering the workforce after University, the only advice I received was to do some company research, list my strengths and weaknesses, and be able to speak through them – not enough, right?
I’ve highlighted my top 10 tips to master your next interview. Some may be new to you, however most are a call to action. The absolute basics are often the first to be overlooked, despite being the most important.
1. Be Punctual
Arriving in a rush or even a few minutes late will automatically put you on the back-foot and tarnish your initial impression. Allow for any hiccups, such as traffic, public transit running behind schedule, getting lost, etc.
You won’t regret being early, whereas tardiness can cost you an opportunity.
2. Dress to Impress
You worked hard to get to this stage – now look the part! An interview is a professional situation; regardless of the formality or company dress code, always look crisp, polished, and professional.
An impression is formed within the first 30 seconds of meeting, and often prior to you speaking. What does your interview outfit say about you?
3. Display Positive Body Language
Many of our interactions are non-verbal, so it is important to be mindful that you are expressing yourself in a positive light. A strong handshake, upright posture, and regular eye contact express confidence.
Smiling and mirroring body language are agreeable actions, and can be used to subconsciously build rapport. If you’re unsure of how your interview body language can be perceived, ask to practice with a friend.
4. Do Your Research
We live in a social world with a plethora of information at our fingertips. In this day and age, there is no excuse to not know who you’ll be meeting with.
While doing your research on an organisation and their presence within their industry, don’t forget to research your interviewer. A quick glance on LinkedIn does wonders, and you’ll appear much more knowledgeable for it.
5. Be focused & concise when answering behavioral questions
When answering behavioral based questions, paint a clear and concise picture for your interviewer. By sticking to the STAR method, you won’t veer off track. Explain the situation or task at hand, the action you took, and the results you achieved.
Be careful not to fall into the trap of going off topic, going into unnecessary detail, or talking in circles without answering the question.
6. Showcase your greatest achievements & quantify where possible
Does your CV have your greatest achievements highlighted under each position? If not, I highly recommend you make that edit ASAP.
These achievements will be your strongest talking point in your interview. Where applicable, be able to speak confidently when quantifying your achievements, and be able to demonstrate how they could benefit your potential new employer.
7. Be Yourself
Don’t do yourself the injustice of rattling off standard “cookie-cutter” responses to answers because you think they are what the interviewer wants to hear.
Is your greatest achievement of this year training and completing a marathon, or finally launching your own business on the side? Share it! People do business with people after all, so don’t forget the human element. Of course, keep it professional and relevant throughout.
8. Ask smart questions
As the interview progresses, showcase all of your research and knowledge from your preparation. Ask your interviewer smart, relevant questions about what it means to join their organisation.
Be that candidate that makes them stop and say “That’s great, I’m not often asked that question.” Make them think! They certainly won’t forget you for it. You’ll not only gain valuable information to make your decision on the role, you’ll also provide further insight to your thought process.
9. Tie up the interview nicely
Use the close of the interview to ensure you’ve best used the time you’ve spent together. Don’t be afraid to pose questions such as “Are there any aspects of my experience you’d like me to explain in further detail” or “What are the next steps from here?” Doing so shows that you are thorough.
If there isn’t anything further – great! If so, you wouldn’t have known without asking. At the end of the interview, be appreciative and thank your interviewer for their time.
10. Follow Up
The window of opportunity to impress doesn’t close after you walk out of the office. Always take the next step and send a prompt and professional thank you note to your interviewer.
I’ve found that the strongest follow up notes involve a thank you, a personalised takeaway from the interview itself (perhaps something new you learned about the company during your discussion), and a statement solidifying your interest in the opportunity.
Now you have the tools to go forth and master your job interview!
Have a particular success story from implementing the above or perhaps another interview tip you find particularly vital that you’d like to share? Let myself and the team know on Twitter! @PatriciaD_CP.
Cox Purtell Recruitment Agency Blog / Sydney / Melbourne / Adelaide"
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As a temporary recruitment consultant, I’m constantly meeting candidates in various stages in their career. Whether they are seeking new opportunities after having strong tenure within previous roles/industries, a working holiday visa seeking experience in the Sydney market, or an office junior eager to kick start their career, candidates of all levels can seek interview advice.

When I reflect back on when I was entering the workforce after University, the only advice I received was to do some company research, list my strengths and weaknesses, and be able to speak through them – not enough, right?

I’ve highlighted my top 10 tips to master your next interview. Some may be new to you, however most are a call to action. The absolute basics are often the first to be overlooked, despite being the most important.

1. Be Punctual

Arriving in a rush or even a few minutes late will automatically put you on the back-foot and tarnish your initial impression. Allow for any hiccups, such as traffic, public transit running behind schedule, getting lost, etc.

You won’t regret being early, whereas tardiness can cost you an opportunity.

2. Dress to Impress

You worked hard to get to this stage – now look the part! An interview is a professional situation; regardless of the formality or company dress code, always look crisp, polished, and professional.

Many of our interactions are non-verbal, so it is important to be mindful that you are expressing yourself in a positive light. A strong handshake, upright posture, and regular eye contact express confidence.

Smiling and mirroring body language are agreeable actions, and can be used to subconsciously build rapport. If you’re unsure of how your interview body language can be perceived, ask to practice with a friend.

4. Do Your Research

We live in a social world with a plethora of information at our fingertips. In this day and age, there is no excuse to not know who you’ll be meeting with.

While doing your research on an organisation and their presence within their industry, don’t forget to research your interviewer. A quick glance on LinkedIn does wonders, and you’ll appear much more knowledgeable for it.

5. Be focused & concise when answering behavioral questions

When answering behavioral based questions, paint a clear and concise picture for your interviewer. By sticking to the STAR method, you won’t veer off track. Explain the situation or task at hand, the action you took, and the results you achieved.

Be careful not to fall into the trap of going off topic, going into unnecessary detail, or talking in circles without answering the question.

6. Showcase your greatest achievements & quantify where possible

Does your CV have your greatest achievements highlighted under each position? If not, I highly recommend you make that edit ASAP.

These achievements will be your strongest talking point in your interview. Where applicable, be able to speak confidently when quantifying your achievements, and be able to demonstrate how they could benefit your potential new employer.

7. Be Yourself

Don’t do yourself the injustice of rattling off standard “cookie-cutter” responses to answers because you think they are what the interviewer wants to hear.

Is your greatest achievement of this year training and completing a marathon, or finally launching your own business on the side? Share it! People do business with people after all, so don’t forget the human element. Of course, keep it professional and relevant throughout.

8. Ask smart questions

As the interview progresses, showcase all of your research and knowledge from your preparation. Ask your interviewer smart, relevant questions about what it means to join their organisation.

Be that candidate that makes them stop and say “That’s great, I’m not often asked that question.” Make them think! They certainly won’t forget you for it. You’ll not only gain valuable information to make your decision on the role, you’ll also provide further insight to your thought process.

9. Tie up the interview nicely

Use the close of the interview to ensure you’ve best used the time you’ve spent together. Don’t be afraid to pose questions such as “Are there any aspects of my experience you’d like me to explain in further detail” or “What are the next steps from here?” Doing so shows that you are thorough.

If there isn’t anything further – great! If so, you wouldn’t have known without asking. At the end of the interview, be appreciative and thank your interviewer for their time.

10. Follow Up

The window of opportunity to impress doesn’t close after you walk out of the office. Always take the next step and send a prompt and professional thank you note to your interviewer.

I’ve found that the strongest follow up notes involve a thank you, a personalised takeaway from the interview itself (perhaps something new you learned about the company during your discussion), and a statement solidifying your interest in the opportunity.

Now you have the tools to go forth and master your job interview!

Have a particular success story from implementing the above or perhaps another interview tip you find particularly vital that you’d like to share? Let myself and the team know on Twitter! @PatriciaD_CP.